Do UK Visitors to the USA Need Health Insurance?
Health insurance for UK visitors to USA is very important because healthcare costs in the US are very high.
Around 3.5 million British travelers visit the US every year. British citizens who would like to visit the US can qualify for the visa waiver program up to 90 days and are able to travel to USA with only an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Most people from the UK can visit the US visa free and are quite comfortable taking holiday in the US, as there are many cultural similarities, including a common language.
Healthcare (UK vs. USA)
UK residents (residents of Northern Ireland, Great Britain, England, Scotland and Wales) are covered by NHS while in the UK; however, NHS does not provide any health coverage in the US.
Healthcare expenses are very high in the US; just a few days stay in a US hospital could easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.
UK tourists are not eligible for PPACA compliant domestic health insurance plans. It is essential to get short term medical insurance for UK visitors to the USA. Fortunately, UK visitors insurance is suitable medical coverage for them.
Buying from UK vs USA Based Company
While British tourists have the choice of purchasing UK visitors medical insurance either from a UK based company or a US based company, it is generally preferred to purchase it from a US-based company for several reasons:
- US based visitors medical insurance plans are generally cheaper than British tourist insurance plans for comparable coverage.
- Unless specifically mentioned in the application and not excluded by the insurance company, UK based tourist insurance plans would not cover pre-existing conditions. On the other hand, US based visitors health insurance plans would cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to a certain amount for persons up to a certain age.
- Many US based tourist insurance plans participate in a PPO network that have participating providers all across the US, so when you need to visit a provider you would just show your insurance ID card and they can bill the insurance company directly, instead of having to pay first and file for reimbursement later.
- US providers are simply more familiar with dealing with US based companies and it is more convenient for them to deal with the local companies. This generally makes it convenient and easier for travelers in case they become sick or injured in a foreign country.
Luckily, you can get instant quotes from various US based companies, compare them side by side, and make an instant purchase online. If you need to speak to someone, our US based licensed insurance professionals are available to assist you 7 days a week.
Uses of Short Term Visitors Insurance Plans
Short term visitors insurance plans are generally meant to cover any new medical conditions, injuries or accidents that occur unexpectedly while traveling. Travelers need health insurance for foreign visitors to seek care for things like cold, flu, fever, stomach upset, food poisoning, diarrhea, pneumonia, car accidents, falling down the stairs and so on. UK visitors insurance for travel to the USA is not meant to cover routine checkups, maternity, or elective procedures.
Conclusion
UK visitors to USA should purchase visitors insurance to enjoy their trip worry free.
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